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John Amos Comenius publishes Orbis Pictus, the first picture book designed for children. It used simple words with illustrations to teach about the world. -
Charles Perrault releases his collection of fairy tales, including “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty.” These stories became the foundation for many later children’s books. -
John Newbery publishes the first book marketed just for children. It combined fun stories with moral lessons, beginning the trend of publishing specifically for young readers. -
Anna Laetitia Barbauld writes a series of primers that were the first to use age-appropriate language for kids. Her books helped shape early childhood education. -
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The Brothers Grimm publish a collection of German folk tales such as “Hansel and Gretel.” Their stories became classics across Europe and beyond. -
Heinrich Hoffmann writes Struwwelpeter, a book of illustrated cautionary tales. The stories were humorous but also meant to teach children proper behavior. -
Lewis Carroll’s imaginative story about Alice’s adventures changed children’s literature. It emphasized fantasy and nonsense over lessons and morals. -
Louisa May Alcott publishes Little Women, following the lives of four sisters growing up during the Civil War. It highlighted family, love, and independence. -
L. Frank Baum creates one of the first truly American fairy tales. Dorothy’s magical adventure in Oz became a cultural classic. -
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Beatrix Potter publishes her story about a mischievous rabbit. Its charming illustrations and gentle lessons made it one of the most famous children’s books ever. -
Margery Williams writes a heartfelt story about a toy rabbit who becomes real through the love of a child. It captures themes of imagination and emotional growth. -
A.A. Milne introduces Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. The gentle humor and warmth made it a timeless favorite. -
Wanda Gág publishes Millions of Cats, the oldest American picture book still in print. Its simple text and folk-art style illustrations captivated young readers. -
Munro Leaf’s tale of a gentle bull who would rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights became a worldwide hit. It promoted individuality and peace. -
J.R.R. Tolkien writes The Hobbit, an adventure about Bilbo Baggins. Though originally for children, it launched modern fantasy literature for all ages. -
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E.B. White tells the story of Wilbur the pig and his friend Charlotte the spider. It is often considered one of the greatest books about friendship and loyalty and often used a lot in schools today. -
Dr. Seuss reinvents early readers with his rhyming story of two kids and a mischievous cat. The book made learning to read fun and playful. -
Maurice Sendak publishes a groundbreaking picture book about Max’s adventure with the Wild Things. It showed that children’s stories could explore emotions and imagination deeply. -
Chris Van Allsburg’s illustrated story follows a boy’s magical journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Its dreamy artwork and theme of belief made it a holiday classic. -
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J.K. Rowling releases the first Harry Potter book, launching a global phenomenon. It inspired a new generation of readers and marked the start of a “third golden age” in children’s literature.